40 pubs to reward designated drivers

More than 40 pubs in Dublin will offer non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers over the Christmas period in a bid to discourage drink driving. The Licensed Vintners' Association plans to expand the scheme in the New Year if it proves successful.

Mr Donall O'Keeffe, LVA chief executive, said it was the first time publicans had signed up to the plan. "Any initiative that promotes safe and responsible driving will be supported enthusiastically by the LVA," he said.

"This is all the more important over the Christmas period. We are delighted that over 40 pubs have supported the campaign and look forward to celebrating the festive season with our customers."

Under the Christmas designated driver campaign any designated driver of three or more people will be entitled to four complimentary soft drinks, including mineral water, tea and coffee. The initiative was launched last Friday and continues until January 2nd.

Participating pubs include: Arc Bar, Liffey Valley; Baldoyle House; Bayside Inn; Brazen Head, Lr Bridge St; Cherry Tree, Walkinstown; Davy Byrne's, Duke St; Drogheda Lodge; Fairview Inn; Fowler's Grange Cross, Ballyfermot; Gibney's, Malahide; Grainger's, Malahide Rd; Halfway House, Ashtown; Henry Grattan, Lr Baggot St; Kavanagh's, Malahide Rd; Kealy's Roadhouse, Cloghran; Kylemore House, Old Naas Rd; Lansdowne Hotel, Ballsbridge; Leeson Court Hotel, Lr Leeson St; O'Brien's, Upr Leeson St; Old Stand, Andrew St; Olde Punch Bowl, Blackrock; Sadlers, Parkgate St; Sheaf of Wheat, Coolock; Smyth's, Malahide; The 51, Haddington Rd; The Beach House, Greystones; The Belgard, Tallaght; The Blackhorse Inn, Kimmage; The Brian Boru, Glasnevin; The Flowing Tide, Lr Abbey St; The Foxhunter, Lucan; The Gate Bar, Crumlin; The Horseshoe Inn, Crumlin; The Silver Granite, Palmerstown; The Slaughtered Lamb, Swords; The Viscount House, Whitehall; The Waterloo, Baggot St; The Willows, Ballymun; Toner's, Lr Baggot St; Vesey Arms, Lucan.